Unforgettable Trieste
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In all its aspects Trieste reveals in many ways its essence of being sublime synthesis of the central European and the Mediterranean cultures. We understand that since the first and essential leg of the itinerary, the Miramare Castle. Built on a rocky promontory on the gulf, it is a wonderful example of 19th Century princely residence which preserved itself with its original interior furniture. Surrounded by a big park, an English and Italian garden, rich in rare plants, little ponds and scultures, the castle hosted the archduke Maximilian of Absburg and his wife Charlotte of Belgium.
From the castle we can continue to the heart of the city, parking the car along the "Rive" (waterfront), ready to explore all those places which, for a one-day visit, are a must. Starting from the Rive themselves, Piazza Unità and the Borgo Teresiano. Piazza Unità d'Italia, perhaps the biggest and most beautiful square in Europe among those facing the sea, is Trieste's most elegant point and source of true emotion for those who walk through it for the first time (and also for the following times!). In the evening in particular, when the wise lighting contributes to creating a unique atmosphere, a breathtaking beauty.
From the castle we can continue to the heart of the city, parking the car along the "Rive" (waterfront), ready to explore all those places which, for a one-day visit, are a must. Starting from the Rive themselves, Piazza Unità and the Borgo Teresiano. Piazza Unità d'Italia, perhaps the biggest and most beautiful square in Europe among those facing the sea, is Trieste's most elegant point and source of true emotion for those who walk through it for the first time (and also for the following times!). In the evening in particular, when the wise lighting contributes to creating a unique atmosphere, a breathtaking beauty.
After a suggestive stroll through the Rive and the Borgo Teresiano, the fascinating 18th Century district rich in sumptuous palaces, the San Giusto hill is the following natural destination. A symbolic place, where we can find the Castle, the Cathedral, the roman ruins of the forum square and a beautiful panoramic view over the city and the sea.
To deeply taste the soul of Trieste we can't then help stopping at one of its historic coffee houses, meeting points of intellectuals and artists of the present and the past. In some of these coffee houses almost nothing has changed in their look and their atmosphere since the times when personalities such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, Umberto Saba and many others used to hang out there.
After the briefly aforementioned things, there would be at least just as many places and at least of the same importance to see in Trieste, so much so that it would worth a second day of visit. We conclude this itinerary instead, leaving the city center and taking the Strada del Friuli, to stop and admire the gorgeous view over the city and the whole gulf from the Faro della Vittoria (Victory's Lighthouse) or from the marian shrine of Monte Grisa - or, why not, from both. They are two symbols of the city, going beyond their simple panoramic function, but either having its specific significance, the former as a navigation guide and impressive memorial, the latter as an important and evocative religious destination.
To deeply taste the soul of Trieste we can't then help stopping at one of its historic coffee houses, meeting points of intellectuals and artists of the present and the past. In some of these coffee houses almost nothing has changed in their look and their atmosphere since the times when personalities such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, Umberto Saba and many others used to hang out there.
After the briefly aforementioned things, there would be at least just as many places and at least of the same importance to see in Trieste, so much so that it would worth a second day of visit. We conclude this itinerary instead, leaving the city center and taking the Strada del Friuli, to stop and admire the gorgeous view over the city and the whole gulf from the Faro della Vittoria (Victory's Lighthouse) or from the marian shrine of Monte Grisa - or, why not, from both. They are two symbols of the city, going beyond their simple panoramic function, but either having its specific significance, the former as a navigation guide and impressive memorial, the latter as an important and evocative religious destination.
Miramare Castle - Trieste - Monte Grisa
Total duration: 7-8 hours, of which more than 1 hour of car transfers (around 50 kms)